Kai Havertz’s unexpected absence raised eyebrows during Arsenal’s 3-1 triumph over Brentford on New Year’s Day.
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The German midfielder, who recently scored in the 1-0 win against Ipswich Town on December 27, was left out of the squad due to illness.
Mikel Arteta clarified the situation in his post-match press conference. “Kai wasn’t feeling well at all,” the manager explained. “He had very clear symptoms, so we sent him home to recover.”
This marks Havertz’s first missed game due to illness or injury since his move from Chelsea in the summer of 2023. Arteta revealed that a bug has been circulating within the Arsenal camp, affecting players and staff alike.
“These things happen during this time of year—throat infections, viruses. It’s unpredictable. I even delayed naming the line-up, just in case.”
Despite these challenges, Arsenal managed a comfortable win, propelling them to second in the Premier League standings.
Arteta remains optimistic about Havertz’s recovery and expects him to be fit for Saturday’s clash against Brighton.
When asked if the illness had isolated other players, Arteta was reassuring: “I don’t think so.” The manager credited the team doctor for managing the situation effectively, ensuring the squad could perform despite the setbacks.
